The San Francisco Symphony has been a beacon of the West Coast's cultural life since its founding in 1911 and has made a long series of acclaimed recordings. Since Michael Tilson Thomas became music director in 1995, the ensemble has gained a reputation for its innovative programming and impassioned performances. Their ability to engage younger listeners is bringing a whole new audience into the concert hall. Here's a selected list of concerts from the first half of the season. Check out our recommended recordings of works being played. For more information on the San Francisco Symphony and how to order tickets, call (415) 864-6000 or visit their Web site at www.sfsymphony.org.

Haydn, Cello Concerto No. 1; Bruckner, Symphony No. 7
November 18-21, 1999
Herbert Blomstedt, conductor

Bach, Orchestral Suite No. 3; Mozart, Symphony No. 36; Nielsen, Symphony No. 4 ("The Inextinguishable")
November 24, 26, 27, 1999
Paavo Berglund, conductor;
Joshua Bell, violin

Saint-Saëns, Violin Concerto No. 3; Schubert, Symphony in C ("The Great")
December 8-11, 1999
Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor;
SFS Chorus

Verdi, Four Sacred Pieces
December 31, 1999
Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor;
Audra McDonald, soprano ;
Frederica von Stade, mezzo-soprano;
San Francisco Klezmer Experience

New Year's Eve Millennium Gala
January 6-8, 2000
Alasdair Neale, conductor;
Tamaki Kawakubo, violin

Kernis, Musica celestis; Tchaikovsky, Violin Concerto; Vaughan Williams, A London Symphony
January 13-16, 2000
Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor

Mahler, Symphony No. 9
January 19-21, 2000
John Adams, conductor;
Vadim Repin, violin